Fonterra launches two Regional Supplier Services Hubs as part of National Service Network
Fonterra launches two Regional Supplier Services Hubs as part of National Service Network
Dedicated contact point for 2,200 suppliers in the South Island.
Fonterra today announced the opening of two new dedicated Regional Supplier Services Hubs for the company’s more than 2,200 suppliers in the South Island – part of a national network providing tailored local support to dairy farmers.
Fonterra’s Director of Milk Supply, Barry Harris, said the new Regional Supplier Services Hubs, based at Fonterra’s Edendale manufacturing site and in Christchurch, would be “grassroots touchpoints for our suppliers” to access information and help them grow their businesses.
“Now when farmers call Fonterra, they will deal with the same group of people – a team that knows their businesses and understands the issues they face.”
Mr Harris said two existing Regional Supplier Services Hubs, covering the Waikato/Bay of Plenty and Lower North Island regions, have proven the value of localised service which is focused on the specific needs and issues relevant to farmers in that area.
“This is about creating a more intimate relationship with our farmers by providing a support structure which reflects the unique challenges and opportunities of the different geographic regions of Fonterra’s supply base.
“There is no substitute for local support which can more effectively drive on-farm productivity, help farmers make robust investment decisions and participate more actively in the co-operative.”
Mr Harris said each Regional Supplier Services Hub complements Fonterra’s regional field teams of Area Managers, with experienced Supplier Services teams responding to incoming calls and also proactively contacting suppliers as required on specific issues, along with the range of online services available through www.fencepost.com.
The Waikato/BOP Supplier Services Hub is currently handling around 700 incoming and outgoing calls each day, while the Lower North Island Hub deals with about 300 a day, Mr Harris says.
“The teams in our Regional Supplier Services Hubs understand the dairy industry and the issues our farmers face – that’s an important ingredient in the success of these centres,” says Regional Services Manager for the South Island Hubs, Kerry Stainton-Herbert.
“We are available to help suppliers handle almost any farming matter, including milk quality issues, transport enquiries or share and payment requests. If we can’t resolve the issue directly, we’ll follow it through until the farmer has the answers they need.”
Ms Stainton-Herbert says the South Island Supplier Services team has been to a number of the recent farmer meetings, field days and local ward events, as well as the Edendale open day and the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE).
“We are already getting to know our local farmers. Over time, many of our suppliers will be able to put a face to the name and we’ll become more than just a helpful voice on the phone.”
Fonterra suppliers can reach the South Island Supplier Services team on: 0800 65 65 68.
